OUR NATIONAL FLOWER.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXV, Issue 1158, 14 October 1913, Page 3

OUR NATIONAL FLOWER.

KOWHAI v. CLEMATIS,

Referring to the claims of the Clematis and Kowbai to be recognised as New Zealand’s national flower, the Otaki Mail says “Our readers will doubtless be interested in this controversy. Both the Clematis aud Kowhai are exceedingly beautiful undoubtedly among the very choicest of the many lovely native flowers with which our fair land is so richly endowed. We are inclined to think that, if a plebiscite were taken Throughout New Zealand, the white Clematis would receive the popular verdict as most worthy of adoption as our national flower ; it is truly magnificent, with a chasteness and delicacy that is not approached by any o'I: ■ native of the New Zealand bush. Moreover, it is more common than the Kowhai, flourishing practically in all parts, while the Kowbai does not succeed so well in the various provinces of the Dominion. At the same lime, we love the Kowhai, which is also a lovely flower. It has this great advantage, too, that the tree, apart Irom the glorious flower, is one of the most graceful aud stately of all our native trees. When well grown, in sheltered valleys, where it is seen at its best a few graceful Kowhai trees are an exceedingly beautiful sight, without their blossom, and our Feildiug friends are to be commended for bringing the Kowhai so prominently before the public.”